Biology: Reproduction Methods

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary disadvantage of external fertilisation?

Higher chances of fertilisation

Many gametes are wasted or eaten by predators (correct)

Produces fewer offspring

Requires complex reproductive structures

Which aspect of cross pollination promotes genetic diversity?

Requires external pollinators (correct)

Involves the anther and stigma of one flower

Transfer of pollen between the same plant

Occurs via wind and insects

In self pollination, what is a notable disadvantage compared to cross pollination?

It ensures higher adaptability

It requires external pollinators

It reduces genetic diversity (correct)

It produces a larger number of offspring

Which structure is responsible for producing pollen in a flower?

Anther Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the prostate gland in the male reproductive system?

Produces fluid that nourishes and protects sperm Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following components is NOT part of the female reproductive system?

Urethra Signup and view all the answers

What role does semen play in reproduction?

Nourishes and transports sperm Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the male sex cell in humans?

Sperm Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary outcome of sexual reproduction?

Fusion of male and female gametes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following organisms reproduces asexually?

Bacteria Signup and view all the answers

What is one major disadvantage of sexual reproduction?

Energy and time consumption Signup and view all the answers

Which form of asexual reproduction involves an organism breaking into pieces?

Fragmentation Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of internal fertilisation?

Occurs inside the body of the organism Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary advantage of asexual reproduction?

Quick and energy-efficient reproduction Signup and view all the answers

What reproductive method is used by yeast?

Budding Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the disadvantage of internal fertilisation?

Fewer offspring are produced Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Differences Between Sexual and Asexual Reproduction

Sexual reproduction involves male and female gametes, resulting in genetically diverse offspring.
Asexual reproduction produces genetically identical offspring without gametes, utilizing a single organism.

Organisms That Reproduce Sexually or Asexually

Sexual reproduction organisms include humans, animals, and flowering plants.
Asexual reproduction organisms consist of bacteria (via binary fission), yeast (budding), and some plants (runners).

Advantages and Disadvantages of Sexual Reproduction

Advantages: Promotes genetic diversity beneficial for adaptation and survival.
Disadvantages: Requires more energy and time, and locating a mate can be challenging.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Asexual Reproduction

Advantages: Efficient and quick, involving only one parent.
Disadvantages: Results in lack of genetic diversity, more vulnerability to diseases and environmental changes.

Forms of Asexual Reproduction

Binary Fission: Bacteria split into two.
Budding: Yeast forms a new organism from the parent.
Fragmentation: Starfish can develop new individuals from broken pieces.
Spore Formation: Fungi produce spores that develop into new organisms.
Vegetative Propagation: Strawberries create new plants from runners.

Difference Between Internal and External Fertilisation

Internal fertilisation occurs inside the organism's body (e.g., humans, birds).
External fertilisation happens outside the body, typically in water (e.g., fish, amphibians).

Advantages and Disadvantages of Internal Fertilisation

Advantages: Higher fertilisation success and embryo protection.
Disadvantages: Complex mating behaviors and fewer offspring produced.

Advantages and Disadvantages of External Fertilisation

Advantages: Can generate many offspring without complex reproductive structures.
Disadvantages: Lower fertilisation success, with many gametes wasted or predated.

Cross Pollination

Cross pollination involves pollen transfer from one flower’s anther to another’s stigma.
Advantages: Enhances genetic diversity.
Disadvantages: Relies on pollinators or environmental factors, with higher failure rates.

Ways Cross Pollination Occurs

Mechanisms include wind, insects (e.g., bees, butterflies), birds, and water.

Self Pollination

Self pollination occurs when pollen transfers from the anther to the stigma of the same or another flower on the same plant.
Advantages: No external pollinators needed and provides consistency.
Disadvantages: Reduces genetic diversity, limiting adaptability.

Male and Female Sex Cells of a Flower

Male sex cell: Pollen produced in the anther.
Female sex cell: Ovule contained within the ovary.

Function of Each Reproductive Component of a Flower

Stamen (male part): Anther (produces pollen) and filament (supports anther).
Pistil (female part): Stigma (receives pollen), style (connects stigma to ovary), ovary (contains ovules).
Petals serve to attract pollinators; sepals protect the flower bud.

Process of Pollination and Fertilisation in a Flower

Pollination involves transferring pollen from anther to stigma.
Fertilisation occurs when a pollen tube grows from the stigma to the ovary, fertilizing ovules and forming seeds.

Male and Female Gametes in Humans

Female gamete: Egg (ovum).
Male gamete: Sperm.

Male and Female Gonads

Male gonads: Testes.
Female gonads: Ovaries.

Function of Structures in the Male Reproductive System

Penis delivers sperm into the female reproductive system.
Urethra carries both urine and semen out of the body.
Testicles produce sperm and testosterone; scrotum protects testes.
Vas deferens transports sperm from the epididymis.
Epididymis stores and matures sperm.
Prostate gland produces nourishing fluid for sperm.
Seminal vesicle generates a sugar-rich fluid providing sperm energy.

Purpose of Semen

Semen functions to transport and nourish sperm during ejaculation.

Structures Involved in Making Semen

Key structures include testes, prostate gland, seminal vesicles, and bulbourethral glands.

Hormone Produced by the Male Gonad

Male gonads produce testosterone.

Function of Structures in the Female Reproductive System

Ovaries produce eggs and hormones, including estrogen and progesterone.
Fallopian tubes transport eggs from the ovaries to the uterus, where fertilisation typically occurs.

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Description

Explore the key differences between sexual and asexual reproduction in this quiz. Understand how various organisms utilize these methods to perpetuate their species, focusing on genetic diversity and reproduction processes.